Sofia Steckler “What do you want to be when you grow up?”

Even now, as a dual degree veterinary and public health student at the University of Minnesota,

I am not entirely certain of the answer – and honestly, I may never be. What I do know is that

my experience as an extern with the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA)

Government Relations Division has expanded my understanding of what a career in veterinary

medicine entails.

Over the last two years, I have repeatedly encountered New World screwworm (NWS) in the

classroom as an example of a consequential disease that requires successful eradication

programs and proper emergency preparedness. When multiple cases of NWS were confirmed

in the United States, being in DC gave me a front row seat to what the rapid response looked

like for this reemergence and allowed me to combine my classroom knowledge with a real-time,

relevant example. Through calls with Secretary of Agriculture Brooke Rollins, case tracking, and

policy discussions, I experienced classroom concepts come to life. Watching the response

unfold also showed me how closely science, policy, and public communication are intertwined.

I have had the opportunity to meet lawmakers, discuss policy and the legislative process, and

better understand the knowledge gaps between the veterinary community and the general

public. These experiences have highlighted the unique and necessary role veterinarians play in

policy conversations.

During congressional meetings and events, other attendees asked for my perspective on

serious veterinary issues. Like many veterinary students, I experience ample amounts of

impostor syndrome. We try to absorb enormous amounts of information in the classroom, but

we do not always have opportunities to apply that knowledge in real-world settings. To my

surprise, I found that I could meaningfully contribute to the conversation. These moments

helped me build the confidence I lacked in the lecture hall.

Veterinary medicine is also remarkably nonpartisan. I was able to meet with members of

Congress from both parties who support our profession. Animals matter to everyone

– regardless of political affiliation – for food security, companionship, public health, and

prevention of zoonotic diseases. In a world that feels increasingly polarized, it was refreshing to

see people with different beliefs come together around shared priorities.

This experience has reinforced that veterinary medicine extends far beyond the clinic. It

introduced me to opportunities grounded in One Health – the idea that animal, human, and

environmental health are deeply connected – and reinforced the importance of advocacy.

Policymakers and the public need veterinary voices at the table. As future veterinarians, we

have a responsibility to advocate for animal welfare, public health, and issues at the animal-

human interface.

Although I still don't know exactly what I want to be when I grow up, this externship has shown

me that veterinary medicine offers far more possibilities than I ever imagined – and that our

voices can make a difference beyond the clinic.